2025 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Courtney Simmons, Davis Malm

“Courtney has been an impressive attorney from the moment she joined the firm from the Land Court. She is highly skilled at navigating complex real estate disputes, obtaining successful results efficiently for clients, and managing clients with the highest level of service. Courtney is a leader in and out of the firm, spearheading many of the firm’s community involvement initiatives, including leading the firm in the annual Walk to the Hill for Civil Legal Aid. She is a member and former co- chair of the Pro Bono/Public Service Subcommittee of the BBA’s Environmental & Energy Law Committee.” - Christopher Marino, President and Managing Director at Davis Malm.

What recent professional milestone or project are you most proud of, and why? As I approach the 10-year mark as an attorney, I note a recent professional milestone in my career, winning an emergency injunction. The case required appearing in court to defend my client against a commercial property landlord who was attempting to take possession of and sell my client’s personal property on the leased premises prior to the expiration of the lease. I convinced the court that the landlord had no authority to retain any of my client’s personal property. I was able to step up at a moment’s notice, with confidence, credibility and conviction, to come to my client’s defense.

Who has played a pivotal role in your development, and how have they influenced you? Two seasoned partners at Davis Malm, Samuel (Sandy) Moskowitz and Paul Feldman, both provided me with professional and personal mentorship. They afforded me responsibilities and opportunities beyond my experience level, which was crucial to my development as a lawyer. They taught me to think creatively and analytically from the outset of matters, considering the client’s goals and the best avenue for getting to those results. I learned how to be an effective advocate, the art of crafting a good argument and how to successfully get that argument to come across to the audience.

If you could give advice to someone just starting out in your field, what would it be? Treat your clients and their matters as if they are your own. It makes you a better advocate and a more compassionate attorney. A lawyer is not just a legal advocate for their clients, but should also be a trusted advisor, consultant and, at times, a friend. Being a good lawyer entails so much more than understanding the law. A good lawyer is not only well versed in the law, but also has the ability to problem- solve, develop creative solutions, and address issues even before they arise.